In desperate need of a win Rhode Island could not overcome several offensive droughts as it fell to Massachusetts 78-67 Saturday afternoon from the Ryan Center. Trailing 12-6 five minutes into the game, the Rams (12-9, 3-6 Atlantic 10) had their best spurt of the game, using a 16-2 run to pull ahead 22-14 with just under eight minutes to go in the half. Antwan Walker had seven points during the run, capping it with back-to-back dunks during one of the most exciting stretches of the season. However, UMass (10-11, 3-6 A-10) responded with an 11-0 run over the next 5:33 that featured 3-point baskets from Rich Kelly, Noah Fernandes and T.J. Weeks, Jr. The Minutemen rode the momentum, taking a 32-26 edge into the break after a pair of Kelly free throws in the final minute. Rhode Island managed to get back to a one possession game on an Ishmael Leggett layup two minutes into the second half. However, UMass used its shooting to keep URI at an arm's length. Weeks scored 22 of his game-high 30 points in the second half as the Minutemen never rescinded their lead. Despite the hot shooting by UMass, Rhody found itself down 55-52 after an Ismael El-Amin layup on the fast break with 10:59 to go. The teams traded baskets until a Ishmael Leggett basket made it a four point game, with the Rams down 60-56. UMass went on an 11-0 run for the second time in the game to open a 15-point lead. Rhode Island was scoreless for 4:28 as the Minutemen were able to put the game away and send the Rams to their fifth consecutive loss.